A Road Might Lead to Anywhere 

by Rachel Field

Summary: After reading about faraway lands, a young girl closes her eyes and imagines all the wonderful places a road could take her, from a cave full of treasure to a witch's house and even to Mexico.

This is an excellent story for celebrating the power of imagination and creativity. The paper-sculpture illustrations add a nice element to the book. 

Interest Level: grades k-3

Reading Level: grade 2

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Little Mist

Little Mist

by Angela McAllister

Summary: Little Mist, a young snow leopard, is filled with wonder when his mother introduces him to the world for the first time.

This magnificently illustrated story is touching, especially the last few pages. A parent may choose to read this with his/her child and discuss how they feel the same way as the snow leopard mother.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 3

The Jewel Fish of Karnak

by Graeme Base

Summary: Two thieves, caught stealing from an Egyptian market, are brought before the Cat Pharaoh who agrees to pardon them if they bring back a treasure that was stolen from her. They must not take anything else or get the precious Jewel Fish wet.

This is the coolest picture book I have seen a long time. The back cover contains a movable puzzle. The Cat Pharaoh challenges readers to go to the author’s website with the answers. Even without this feature, the book contains a fantastic fable, and the illustrations are absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend this book to any primary grade student and older children who are up for a fun challenge.

Interest Level: grades k-6
Reading Level: grade 3

 

The Wizard Mouse 

by Dean Morrissey

Summary: A field mouse travels far from his home and helps restore a wizard's magic; thus, saving the kingdom of Muddmoor.

This imaginative adventure is ideal for strong readers in primary school to read to themselves. The vibrant illustrations draw the reader deep into this fantasy. The story’s message of following one’s dreams and being true to oneself is truly inspiring and will captivate any young readers’ heart. 

Interest Level: grades k-3

Reading Level: grade 4

Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life

of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal

by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

Summary: Retells the life of Bass Reeves, a former slave who became a deputy U.S. Marshal in the Indian Territory and was exceptional at tracking down fugitives and bringing them to justice.

Vaunda Micheaux Nelson was given the American Library Association’s prestigious Coretta Scott King award for this book. This biography is a great read during Black History Month or during an unsung hero discussion. I like the notes in the back; especially the comment that this book appears to be a tall tale but is true. For this reason, young advanced readers or young listeners with a long attention span may enjoy this Wild West tale.

Interest Level: grades k-6
Reading Level: grade 6

Horror Stories for Young Adults

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Bee and Bird

by Craig Frazier

Summary: In this wordless picture book, a bumblebee and a bird embark on a travel adventure.

The bright illustrations in this book did not appeal to me. However, the illustrations are simple enough that very young children will be able to narrate a story. Wordless books are meant for children to use their creativity and develop an appreciation for books.

Young Adult Science Fiction Reads: Dystopias and Futuristic Societies

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Caramba and Henry

by Marie-Louise Gay

Summary: When Caramba's mother asks him to watch his brother while Henry learns to fly, Caramba ties a string around his waist and lets him soar.

This is a unique story that allows for discussions about new siblings. I do not recommend reading it in preparation for a new sibling, but it is helpful in discussing what can be frustrating about a baby.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 2

Survival Stories for Grades 3-5

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Tucker: Little Dog Lost and Found

by Danny Sit

Summary: Tucker the Jack Russell terrier packs his bags and takes the train to the beach for an adventure, but after a fun day he discovers that he does not know how to get home.

This is an adorable book that will be enjoyed by any dog lover! This book contains photographs that I especially appreciated as a Long Islander.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 3

Mannie and the Long Brave Day

 by Martine Murray

Summary: Mannie's special box full of secret things comes in handy on her day of imaginary adventures with her doll and her toy elephant.

This is a mediocre story. However, I like that one of the last illustrated pages of the books contains sparkles coming out of the box. A reader can ask children to use their imaginations to describe what could be coming out of this box or write a sequel to this story.

Interest Level: ages 2 - grade 3
Reading Level: grade 2

Survival Stories for Grades 6-8

The Dangerous Days of Daniel X

by James Patterson

Summary: Fifteen-year-old Daniel has followed in his parents' footsteps as the Alien Hunter, exterminating beings on The List of Alien Outlaws on Terra Firma, but when he faces his first of the top ten outlaws, the very existence Earth and another planet are at stake.

Fans of adventure and action will be captivated by the book’s story. Despite its theme, the book is somewhat relatable; the book is told in first person by Daniel, a teenage boy with common teenage struggles. I enjoyed Daniel’s cynical and sarcastic outtake which adds a layer of humor to the story. This book is generally labeled as young adult, but it is not inappropriate for older elementary students who are strong readers.

Interest Level: grades 4-12
Reading Level: Young Adult

Pirate vs. Pirate: The Terrific Tale of a

Big, Blustery Maritime Match

by Mary Quattlebaum

Summary: One pirate from the Atlantic Ocean and one from the Pacific Ocean meet and have a contest to see who is the best pirate in the world.

As mentioned in the title, this is a terrific tale. At first glance it may appear to be a story that will appeal more to a masculine crowd. However, one of these pirates is a woman, and the ending might surprise boys and girls alike. This is a lengthy tale; it is most appropriate for an older crowd.

Interest Level: grades K-6
Reading Level: grade 3

Jonathan and the Big Blue Boat

by Philip Christian Stead

Summary: Jonathan sets sail in the big blue boat in search of his lost stuffed bear, Frederick, and collects a ragtag assortment of friends along the way.

The illustrator’s use of collage in this book is impressive. The illustrations are extremely detailed with pieces of old stamps, travel tickets, and newspaper clippings which give the book a nostalgic feel. The story is good, but examining this book’s details and playing a “look and find” game with a child are more rewarding and may be great ways to motivate reading.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 3

The Sisters Grimm: The Fairy-tale Detectives

  by Michael Buckley

Summary: Orphans Sabrina and Daphne Grimm are sent to live with an eccentric grandmother that they have always believed to be dead.

I thoroughly enjoyed this fractured fairytale. It is the first book in the Sister’s Grimm series. This is a wonderful book to recommend to older children that enjoy fractured fairytale books such as The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. The beginning of the book is somewhat sad, but the majority of this book is light-hearted and entertaining. The sisters’ spunky personalities soften the blow. These strong female characters will resonate with less “girly” children as well as the feminine fairy tale loving crowd.

Interest Level: grades 4-6
Reading Level: grade 5

Princess In the Pigpen

by Jane Resh Thomas

Summary: Elizabeth, a duke's daughter sick with fever, travels through time from Elizabethan England to a farm in modern Iowa, where she has difficulty convincing anyone of the truth of her story.

I read this when I was young and found Elizabeth’s struggles with modern colloquialisms amusing. I felt her frustration when no one would believe her, but also enjoyed the silly humor of this book

Interest Level: grades 4-6
Reading Level: grade 7

The Alchemyst

by Michael Scott

Summary: While working at summer jobs in San Francisco, twins Sophie and Josh find themselves caught up in the deadly, centuries-old struggle between rival alchemists, Nicholas Flamel and John Dee, over the possession of an ancient and powerful book.

This is the exciting and fascinating first book in a series. I recommend this book to young adults and younger readers on a high reading level. I feel there is no objectionable material aside from fantasy violence. This series draws characters from ancient mythology of several different cultures. Like the Percy Jackson series, modern teen characters and ancient characters interact in an original story that takes place today.

Interest Level: grade 4-12
Reading Level: grade 6

 

Painter and Ugly

by Robert J. Blake

Summary: Painter and Ugly, two sled dogs who are inseparable best friends, are put on different teams for the Junior Iditarod, but they manage to find their way back to one another for the big race.

This is a touching story about friendship. I am a huge dog lover and I would believe this story could be true if it did not mention that the two dogs share a food bowl. My three docile labs will only become aggressive about that. The book includes a note from the author about how and why the book was written.

Interest Level: grades k-6
Reading Level: grade 3